there are many families that aren't together during the holidays. My son and his family live in OK and we are in Florida during the holidays due to doctor appointments. We call them on the holiday and mail their Christmas packages to them. They do the same for us. I'm sure they would rather have us there but they understand it's not possible. How about giving your children travel gifts and meet them somewhere? When we went full time we only had one child that voiced an objection. The same child that voiced an objection when we were transferred out of state for work. Sometimes you have to do what's best for you. Talk to them and tell them how much it means to you.